Power transformer cooling system optimization

Transformer is the most important and critical equipment in Transmission Line Grid. Maintaining power system reliability can be done by maintaining transformer in its normal ageing. Transformers are designed according to its operation environment. As the result of global warming, maximum hotspot winding temperature of the transformer will exceed its normal ageing limit. Thermal monitoring is one of methods performed by PLN P3B Jawa - Bali to acquire thermal characteristic of power transformer. It is used to recognize whether transformer is in normal condition or tend to exceed its maximum temperature limit, especially at its nominal load. Once its limit is exceeded, external cooling optimization must be carried out to sustain transformer normal ageing. The optimization is performed with existing cooling system. It have been carried out at PLN P3B Jawa - Bali inter bus transformer 500/150 kV 500 MVA.